Nagashima Museum

I went to Nagashima Museum today! This was the view in the garden of the museum. Situated on the top of a hill, it has the best view of Sakurajima and overlooks the whole town. I can't describe the view in words so I'll let you see for yourself ;)

Easy Way made it to the high class restaurant in a Japanese art museum! 

I look so relaxed! But the truth was, the kind gentlemen who took this photo pressed the shuttle button at the wrong moment. Oh well, adds to the humor!

The wonderful/ wasteful wrappings

Delicacy: Basil Pesto

They gave me a nice printed paper bag, a nice paper protection wrap to go with.. a jar of pesto.

Sakurajima

Sakurajima - where all the ash comes from

Sunday Funday

Today (Well, it was still Sunday half an hour ago) was my first time to go to a church here in Kagoshima. Last night I was looking through a webpage that contains information of all the churches in Kagoshima, and realised that there are actually quite a few churches around. I have been told that the reason was that Kagoshima was the first entry point of Christian missionaries in the history of Japan. There was a church in particular with an impressive website, in one of the photos a Japanese girl and a African guy was leading worship, there were Japanese lyrics behind them on the screen - with english pronounciation. So I decided to visit this church this morning since it has presented itself as such an international church.

When I arrived and stood outside the entrance, I could tell there was only a small attendence by the number of shoes placed outside (Japanese people have to take off their shoes and change into slippers before they enter). It was not until I walked in that I had quite a shock - there were around 15 people including 4 bubs. Not at all similar to CCC, hey? Despite the intital shock, the worship was wonderful. Songs were, as they advertised on the website, had english pronounciations; the awesome thing out of all is that 'Lead me to your cross' was sung! Amazing. Of course it was complete with Japanese lyrics :D

It was quite a extraordinary experience to worship with Christians even though I'm on the other side of the world - prayers are offered with zeal, songs are sung with passion, sermons are preached with fervor. Although my ability to comprehend the sermon was limited, I tried my very best to utilize my electronic dictionary hence understood bits and pieces of the sermon and derived my own interpretation of it :P The title of the sermon was 'Are you being liberated?', and the preacher spoke on the topic of living a new life by the Spirit for the glory of God, which is made possible by the work of Christ. Even though numbers are few, the love for Christ is definitely shown in this little church.

I joined an English Christian fellowship in the evening. It was an extension of a church in Aira, set up by an American missionary couple called Bill and Becky Petite. They are such lovely people! I love their American accent ;) The talk and Bible study was more evangelistic-orientated than an indepth Bible study which was a little disappointing for me, anyhow I have enjoyed getting to know other people in the group.

Perhaps I am too impatient, but I long for fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ so much here - the thing that used to fill a large portion of my life in the past half a year has suddenly vanished in Japan. At the same time, I have come to fully appreciate the fellowship that I had at 5pm church, being surrounded by people who are more than just friends, but rather blood-bonded travelling companions through this life. Nevertheless, this longing should translate into a greater desire and motivation to build relationships here in Japan. Please pray for me that I would be a channel of God love, and that I would genuinely love people in obedience of God's will. A lot of times I feel powerless and weak, incapable of loving people around me, but how comforting it is to know that God's power is made perfect in our weakness :)

seven days

Konnichiwa from Japan!!

First of all, I apologize for not replying all facebook wall/ message/ e-mails in the past week. I'm trying my hardest to settle in at the moment - so apologies from me! But THANK YOU SO MUCH for asking me how I'm doing (I read all of them!), your care and affection has kept me going :)

So how is Japan I hear you ask?

Steak! (In Japanese, the way you pronounce 'fabulous' is identical to the word for 'steak'. Yes, the juicy cow!)

Despite the long and strenuous flight, I arrived in Kagoshima safe and sound last Wednesday. Although it has only been a week, I feel like I've been here for quite a while! People often say that exchange is a fantastic and rewarding experience; and it is rightly so. I have treaded into unfamiliar territories and have develop skills that would make my parents, or you, very proud.

Upon acquisition of these skills, I am now:

1. An ash-inhaler

I have mastered the art of walking, running, cycling and breathing in volcanic ash. Kagoshima is famous for three things: 1) Hot springs. 2) Black pork. 3) Ash from Sakurajima



On the streets

 



One of the special ash-collection spots on the street

 
Sakurajima, being a living volcano, causes heavy ash-fall approximately twice a year. From what I heard, Kagoshima is experiencing an exceptionally heavy ash-fall this month. When it rains, it rains ash plus water - my transparent raincoat turns grey after a walk in the rain. Of course, your face is not immuned from it!

2. A skilled cyclist/ an alright navigator

I'm going to introduce you to my new BFF: say hello to Fawks!



Fawks!

 
You might wonder why my new bike is named after the phoenix in Harry Potter. Well - ash and reborn? This baby of mine is actually a testimony of how gracious God is: some students from America were here for their summer holiday program last month and bought new bikes for the duration of their stay in Kagoshima. My sensei at uni kept the bikes after their departure and voila! I'm here and scored a (almost new) bike for free :))))))) What can I say? God provides abundantly! It happens to be a nice and comfy bike too.
Some might have criticised my skills of navigation or doubted my sense of direction in the past: may they be silenced forever! I have been travelling all over Kagoshima city by myself (and Fawks) with a map in my hand (or in my bag, I have yet to master the skill of steering with one hand and holding miscellanous objects in another). Woohoo!
But really, having a bike is such a delight. It's like having your own car - but instead, you're improving your health and at the same time pay nothing for parking (or gym)!
*the occasionally forced-consumption of ash or rain might be the only disadvantages.

3. A cook.. sort of

Contrary to popular belief, I can cook myself a meal. Ready to see what I did?




Tada! Cheesy toast with ham and tomato.

 An omnivore no more! Look mum, I am eating my greens, sort of.
Anyways, I am planning to cook, the only thing that is lacking is a pan and a saucepan. I promise I won't eat food from the convenient store after this week!

 Well I might write more tomorrow, oyasumi!